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All Wines from Sine Qua Non
Inventory updated: Mon, Mar 30, 2026 04:00 PM cst
Our vintages of Sine Qua Non wine currently include: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020
Flickinger Fine Wines' inventory of Sine Qua Non wine is listed below. We have an excellent and vast assortment of fine wines to choose from. If you do not see what you are looking for, give us a call and we can suggest another Sine Qua Non vintage or even another producer that we are sure you will enjoy.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Sine Qua Non |
2014 |
Capo dei Putti Syrah (3.0 L)  |
$2,900 |
1 |
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JD 99 (10/2018): Leading off the reds, the extended barrel-aged 2014 Syrah Capo Dei Putti boasts an insane bouquet of cedarwood, white chocolate, caramelized meats, candle way, and assorted red and black fruits. With full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and an incredible elegance, it changed every time I came back to the glass and is a multi-dimensional, riveting red wine from California. A blend of 90% Syrah and the balance Viognier, Petite Sirah, and Grenache, partially destemmed and aged 38 months in 94% new French oak, give this beauty 2-3 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the following 10-15 years.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Syrah Capo dei Putti, from Eleven Confessions, is another absolutely stunning wine from Elaine and Manfred Krankl. Bright and vibrant in the glass, the 2014 offers tremendous aromatic intensity and freshness to play off the dark Syrah fruit. There is an sense of explosive energy running through the 2014 that adds to the wine's total allure. I would prefer to cellar the Capo dei Putti for at least a few years. I imagine it will always be a wine of gravitas, concentration and power. The 2014 spent 38 months in French oak, 94% new. The blend is 90% Syrah, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 2% Grenache and 4.8% Viognier, done with 43% whole clusters.
WA 96+ (8/2018): The 2014 Syrah Capo dei Putti saw an amazing 38 months in fully 94% new oak, and it was showing superbly when I tasted it, unfurling in the glass with brooding aromas of blackberry preserve, cherries, bay leaf and a remarkably integrated framing of smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, hyper-concentrated and deep, with an incredibly dense core of fruit that's definitely ripe but avoids overt sucrosity—and is complemented by an impressive degree of savory nuance. It's a blocky, dense Syrah that will merit some time in bottle, but it is sure to make a considerable impact whenever it's opened. 896 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced. |
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2004 |
Covert Fingers Pinot Noir Cracked Wax Capsule |
$299 |
1 |
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WA 95 (8/2006): The knockout, deep ruby/purple/plum 2004 Covert Fingers Pinot Noir exhibits a slightly restrained nose revealing sweet cranberry and cassis aromas interwoven with hints of flowers, charcoal, and oak, a savory, broad texture, and an opulent, voluptuous finish. This beauty should drink well for a decade or more.
VM 93 (10/2006): Bright red-ruby. Pure, pungent aromas of raspberry and spices; very pinot! Densely packed, supple and sweet, with pure red berry, spice and earth flavors. Has a thickness of texture while retaining verve. Finishes with fine, supple tannins and lovely subtle length. Not as complex as Krankl's top syrahs, but this is delicious, and as graceful a pinot as I recall tasting from this producer. My sample showed even more intense raspberry and spice flavors the second day, without any loss of freshness. (I must note, however, that my first two bottles were corked.) |
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2007 |
Dangerous Birds (Bomber Label) Syrah |
$675 |
1 |
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WA 98 (8/2011): The 2007 Syrah Dangerous Birds, from Eleven Confessions, includes 4.5% Grenache and 2.5% Viognier, all fully destemmed. It is a seamless, show stopper of the highest level. The fruit is decidedly opulent in the 2007, while the high percentage of new oak barrels (84%) contributes to the wine’s shape and volume. An impeccable, eternal finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.
VM 95 (12/2010): (includes 4.5% grenache and 2.5% viognier; 15.8% alcohol) Dark purple. Powerful blackberry and cassis fruit aromas are complicated by licorice, woodsmoke and exotic Asian spices. Juicy, concentrated and sharply focused, with impressive intensity to its pure dark berry and spice flavors. This very youthful, densely packed wine manages to be both broad and light on its feet, with Outstanding clarity and appealing spiciness. Finishes with lovely lingering florality and mineral-driven persistence. |
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2015 |
"E" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Grenache |
$450 |
3 |
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VM 100 (9/2019): The 2015 Grenache E, from Elaine and Manfred Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is stunningly beautiful. Remarkably light on its feet for such a sumptuous wine, the 2015 has so much to offer. Beautifully expressive aromatics make a strong opening impression. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, mint, sweet spice and licorice develop with air, but it is the wine’s overall feel that stands out most. At times, the E is quite powerful, while in other moments it is much more delicate. That contrast makes for an utterly captivating wine. Antonio Galloni.
WA 100 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Grenache-dominated, barrel-selection blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Elaine Krankl’s initial and a portrait Manfred made of Elaine on the label. The blend is 82% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah and 1% Viognier, and 56% was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 28% new.
JD 98+ (10/2019): The 2015 Grenache E comes all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard and spent a whopping 38 months in 28% new French oak, with the balance in used barrels of varying sizes. An incredible effort that offers complex notes of cured meats, graphite, ground white and black pepper, flowers, and cassis, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a purity level that’s just about off the charts. Showing the concentrated, powerful, structured style of the vintage, give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or more. |
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2015 |
"E" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Grenache (1.5 L) |
$800 |
1 |
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VM 100 (9/2019): The 2015 Grenache E, from Elaine and Manfred Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is stunningly beautiful. Remarkably light on its feet for such a sumptuous wine, the 2015 has so much to offer. Beautifully expressive aromatics make a strong opening impression. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, mint, sweet spice and licorice develop with air, but it is the wine’s overall feel that stands out most. At times, the E is quite powerful, while in other moments it is much more delicate. That contrast makes for an utterly captivating wine. Antonio Galloni.
WA 100 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Grenache-dominated, barrel-selection blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Elaine Krankl’s initial and a portrait Manfred made of Elaine on the label. The blend is 82% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah and 1% Viognier, and 56% was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 28% new.
JD 98+ (10/2019): The 2015 Grenache E comes all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard and spent a whopping 38 months in 28% new French oak, with the balance in used barrels of varying sizes. An incredible effort that offers complex notes of cured meats, graphite, ground white and black pepper, flowers, and cassis, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a purity level that’s just about off the charts. Showing the concentrated, powerful, structured style of the vintage, give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or more. |
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2019 |
Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah (1.5 L) |
$636.65 |
1 |
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| WA 99 (6/2023): The 2019 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard is elegant and perfumed and includes 13.1% Grenache, 3.3% Petite Sirah and just a splash—0.8%—each of Viognier and Muskateller (a.k.a Muscat). It was crafted with 13% whole clusters, matured in 66% new French oak for around 39 months and was bottled in January 2022. This gorgeous Syrah opens over several days and never seems to diminish. It offers pure aromas of crème de cassis, tar, salami and ringing tones of violet. The full-bodied palate is incredibly velvety in texture, and despite its concentration and powerful style, it manages noticeable freshness and detail, with that magical violet perfume echoing across the long finish. This will develop gracefully in the cellar over the next two decades or more. 968 cases and 240 magnums were made. |
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2020 |
Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah |
$297.50 |
4 |
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VM 98 (8/2024): The 2020 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard is a dark, exotic beauty. Rich, sumptuous and layered in the glass, the 2020 is classic Sine Qua Non from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint, building into a stunning crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. What a wine. The blend is 84% Syrah, 11.5% Grenache, 2.3% Petite Sirah and 2.2% Viognier and Golden Muskateller. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (8/2024): Fermented with 25% whole clusters and aged for 38 months in 58% new French oak, the 2020 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard contains 11.5% Grenache, 2.3% Petite Sirah and a combined 2.2% of Gelber Muskateller and Viognier. The nose is a deep, nearly impenetrable mixture of opaque fruits, chocolate cake, tar and subtle hints of savory, meaty complexity. The palate is luxurious and highly polished, with seemingly endless concentration that somehow escalates with time in the glass. The finish is expectedly thunderous, laden with gigantic dark fruit flavors flanked with exotic spice accents, vitamin-tinged acidity and rich, swelling tannins. This wine is impressive in its scope, and I have no doubt that fans of this style will find more than enough to love, but it is ultimately so sumptuous as to appear monotonous. |
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2006 |
In the Crosshairs Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,399 |
1 |
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WA 99 (8/2010): The extended barrel aged Grenache, the 2006 In the Crosshairs, will be released in a few months. A blend of 84% Grenache, 12% Syrah, and 4% Viognier from the estate's 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, this cuvee was aged completely in French oak, many of the barrels being demi-muids. It spent 32 months in wood, which goes against nearly every conventional rule about how Grenache reacts to wood. This contrarian notion is the genius of Krankl. An extraordinary wine, it may turn out to be his greatest Grenache since the 2000 Incognito (a wine that is currently at a magical maturity point). No shy wine at 16.3% alcohol (similar to a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape), it exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a luxurious bouquet of raspberry jam, kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied and sumptuously textured with stunning power as well as elegance, this hedonistic and intellectual turn-on should rock and roll (or is it Rock and Rhone?) for another 10-15 years.
VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 12% syrah and 4% viognier) Opaque ruby. A wild bouquet exudes scents of candied red and dark berries, incense, smoked meat and black olive. I'd have guessed that there was a lot more syrah in here. Lush and palate-coating black raspberry and boysenberry flavors are lifted by zesty acidity and complemented by exotic floral pastille and spice flavors. Strikes an impressive balance of richness and vivacity and finishes with Outstanding clarity and smoky, spicy persistence. With air some fine-grained tannins peeked out, but this is really a wall of seductive fruit, floral and spice qualities. |
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2015 |
Le Chemin Vers L’Heresie Grenache |
$255 |
3 |
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JD 99 (7/2018): I loved the 2015 Grenache le Chemin Vers l’Heresie from barrel, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint from bottle. The 2015 checks in as a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and the rest Petite Sirah, fermented with 44% whole clusters (all from the Grenache and Mourvèdre) and aged close to two years in mostly used barrel. It sports a ruby/purple-tinged color to go with gorgeous notes of black cherries, framboise, black olives, fennel seed, and peppery herbs. Deep, concentrated, yet also voluptuous and seamless, it’s another tour de force from this estate which consistently produces one of the greatest Grenaches in the world. Drink it anytime over the coming 15+ years.
WA 98+ (9/2017): The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin Vers L'Heresie is a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, coming 35% from The Third Twin (Estate) Vineyard, 9% from Bien Nacido Vineyard, 28% from the Cumulus (Estate) Vineyard, 26% from the Eleven Confessions (Estate) Vineyard and 2% from Molly Aida (Estate) Vineyard. It was produced using 44% whole cluster and aged for around 22 months in French oak, 11% new (bottled August 21, 2017). It has a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant nose of violets, kirsch, blueberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of lavender, smoky bacon, Provence herbs and menthol. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and bold, the wines bursts with energy, superbly framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with lingering sauteed herbs and black pepper notions. 1,204 cases of 750 milliliter bottles and 600 magnum bottles were made.
VM 96-98 (9/2017): The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin vers l'Heresie is a total turn-on. Rich, ripe and voluptuous, but with considerable aromatic nuance from the 44% whole clusters, the 2015 has it all. Time in the glass brings out floral and red-toned Grenache varietal notes, and the flavors are remarkably vivid and intense today. Even so, readers will have to cellar this for at least a few years. All the elements are in place for the 2015 to develop into a spectacular wine. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2015 is 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, done with 44% whole clusters (for the Grenache and Mourvèdre). Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
"M" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah |
$325 |
3 |
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JD 99 (10/2019): The extended aged 2015 Syrah M is more backward and structured, with the 2015 vintage character front and center. Based on 90.6% Syrah and the rest Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Viognier, aged 38 months in 66% new oak, its deep purple color is followed by powerful notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, cedarwood, spiced meat, candle wax, and white flowers. It’s deep and full-bodied, with a huge mid-palate, building tannins, and one serious finish. This rocking beast of a Syrah stays remarkably elegant and perfectly balanced yet needs 4-5 years or more of bottle age. It’s going to evolve for two decades or more.
WA 99 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Syrah-dominant blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Manfred Krankl’s initial and a provocative self-portrait on the label. The blend is 90.6% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Syrah, 2.6% Grenache and 2.4% Viognier. Forty-three percent was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 66% new.
VM 99 (9/2019): The 2015 Syrah M will thrill Sine Qua Non lovers. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, with tremendous aromatic nuance from the whole clusters, the 2015 possesses mind-blowing intensity, yet also remains light on its feet. What impresses me most is how much energy and vivacity the 2015 shows given the tiny yields that year. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is yet another stunning wine from Sine Qua Non. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
"M" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah (1.5 L) |
$650 |
1 |
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JD 99 (10/2019): The extended aged 2015 Syrah M is more backward and structured, with the 2015 vintage character front and center. Based on 90.6% Syrah and the rest Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Viognier, aged 38 months in 66% new oak, its deep purple color is followed by powerful notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, cedarwood, spiced meat, candle wax, and white flowers. It’s deep and full-bodied, with a huge mid-palate, building tannins, and one serious finish. This rocking beast of a Syrah stays remarkably elegant and perfectly balanced yet needs 4-5 years or more of bottle age. It’s going to evolve for two decades or more.
WA 99 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Syrah-dominant blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Manfred Krankl’s initial and a provocative self-portrait on the label. The blend is 90.6% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Syrah, 2.6% Grenache and 2.4% Viognier. Forty-three percent was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 66% new.
VM 99 (9/2019): The 2015 Syrah M will thrill Sine Qua Non lovers. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, with tremendous aromatic nuance from the whole clusters, the 2015 possesses mind-blowing intensity, yet also remains light on its feet. What impresses me most is how much energy and vivacity the 2015 shows given the tiny yields that year. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is yet another stunning wine from Sine Qua Non. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Male Syrah |
$279 |
1 |
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| WA 98 (5/2016): The 2013 Syrah Male is an elegant, seamless Syrah that exudes class in its creme de cassis, black raspberry, smoked meats, graphite and asphalt-laced bouquet. This is a blend of 80% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 3.5% Touriga National and 3.5% Viognier, fermented with 28% whole clusters and aged 25 months in 65% new French oak. It's full-bodied, beautifully layered, silky and seamless, with no hard edges and wonderful freshness in both the aromatics and palate. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 10-15. |
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2004 |
Ode to E Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,199 |
1 |
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WA 100 (6/2014): Leading off with the Grenache-driven efforts, and easily the greatest expression of the variety I’ve ever tasted from California, the 2004 Ode to E (Grenache) is mind-blowing stuff that will stand toe-to-toe with the greatest Grenache-based wines ever made. Coming from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and comprised of 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, it sports a still vibrant purple color to go with off-the-hook aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoked herbs and assorted meaty nuances. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with incredible purity and a perfect texture, it can be consumed anytime over the coming decade.
VM 97 (8/2015): The 2004 Grenache Ode to E is absolutely stellar. There's not too much more to say. Still young, fresh and vibrant, the 2004 is incredibly impressive. Exotic spice, rose petals, raspberry jam all open up in an effortless, nuanced wine bursting at the seams with personality. Exquisitely nuanced and balanced, the 2004 is a gem. Readers who own the 2004 should be thrilled; as it is a magnificent wine by any measure. My favorite age to drink Sine Qua Non wines is around ten years. The Ode to E Grenache delivers the goods, and then some. The blend is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
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2003 |
Papa Syrah Lightly Scuffed Label |
$450 |
1 |
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WA 98 (8/2006): There are 860 cases of the 2003 Papa, a blend of 97% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre, and 1% Grenache sourced from six different vineyards. An old black and white photograph of Manfred Krankl's father holding a baby with a head the size of a large watermelon (presumably Manfred) serves as the label for this wine, which has just about everything one could want in a great Syrah. It exhibits extraordinary power and richness along with large quantities of sexy, seductive cassis, black cherries, and a chocolaty undertone. Unctuously textured, rich, and full, it will provide amazing drinking over the next 10-15 years.
VM 93+ (10/2006): Bright medium ruby. Minty, high-pitched aromas of black fruits, violet and licorice. Primary and penetrating in the mouth, with powerful acidity giving a somewhat clenched character to the vibrant flavors of crushed berries, flint and minerals. Very lively and very long on the aftertaste. I'd expect this extremely backward wine to rate a score in the mid-90s eight or ten years down the road. |
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2011 |
Patine Grenache |
$295 |
1 |
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WA 97 (8/2015): Coming all from Manfred's Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and a blend of 77% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 1% Viognier (fermented with 25% whole clusters), the 2011 Grenache Patine spent a full 33 months in almost all neutral oak, with just 11% being new. It offers perfumed and spice-laced notes of white pepper, black raspberry, blackberry and ground herbs that flow to a full-bodied, elegant, nicely concentrated 2011 that has nicely integrated acidity, no hard edges and a terrific finish. It's certainly one of the fresher, more elegant Grenaches from Manfred, yet it still has rocking levels of fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy bottles over the following decade.
VM 97 (8/2015): The 2011 Grenache Patine has turned out beautifully. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and leather meld together in the glass as this savory, beautifully layered wine opens up. Herb, graphite, smoke, sage and tobacco add shades of nuance in a delineated Grenache that captures the best of this cool, late-ripening year. Patine is 77% Grenache, 22% Syra and 1% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 25% whole clusters and aged for 33 months in French oak barrels, 11% new. |
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2014 |
Piranha Waterdance Syrah |
$329 |
3 |
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WA 100 (9/2017): Blended of 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and 1% Graciano, sourced from 34% The Third Twin, 35% Eleven Confessions and 31% Cumulus (all estate vineyards), the provocative, inky purple colored 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance was made using 26% whole cluster and hits the scent scene with exuberant, pure crème de cassis, blackberry cordial and blueberry coulis notes with hints of espresso, licorice, garrigue and menthol, plus a gorgeous underlying perfume of red roses. The full-bodied palate is oh-so-elegant and pretty, revealing very finely pixelated tannins that beautifully frame the almost electric intensity, culminating in an epically long, licorice and chocolate-laced finish. Too stunning for mere words and rude to even try-just drink it. 1,839 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
VM 95-97 (9/2016): A striking, vibrant wine, the 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance is beautifully focused and energetic from start to finish. Plum, blueberry, lavender, mint, violet and sweet spices all take shape in the glass. This is an especially nuanced, sculpted Syrah long on class and personality. There is so much to like here. The 2014 is 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and % Graciano, done with 26% whole clusters, all from Sine Qua Non's estate vineyards: 35% Eleven Confessions, 34% Third Twin and 31% Cumulus. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Ratsel Syrah Cracked Wax Capsule; Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$249 |
1 |
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WA 96+ (8/2018): Produced entirely from estate fruit, the 2016 Syrah Rätsel 16 offers up a brooding bouquet of smoky blackberries, French roast, cassis liqueur and subtle grilled meat, with only hints of all the savory complexity it will show down the line. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and chewy, with a rich chassis of velvety structuring tannins, a deep, super concentrated core of fruit and a long, sapid finish. Like the Grenache Dirt Vernacular, it's quite expressive and giving in profile by comparison with the firmer, more structural 2015s from Sine Qua Non, but its more brooding profile makes me suspect it has more potential upside with some time in bottle. It's a blend of 81% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah, 2.5% Grenache and 4.5% Viognier that was fermented with 47% whole cluster. 1791 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
JD 96-99 (10/2018): A not yet bottled blend of 81% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah, and the rest Viognier and Grenache, fermented with 47% whole clusters, the 2016 Syrah Rätsel 16 is an inky colored beauty that has another level of depth and richness over the 2015. Black raspberries, cassis, white pepper, white chocolate, and hints of bacon fat give way to a full-bodied, seamless, elegant wine that has terrific freshness and purity, ultra-fine tannin, and a huge finish. Not too dissimilar from the 2014s, which have the same supple, sexy, and approachable style, it should drink reasonably well right out of the gate and cruise for 15-20 years in cool cellars.
VM 95-97 (9/2018): The 2016 Syrah No Name Yet is another wine that shows just how fabulous the 2016 vintage is. Powerful, dense and resonant, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete wine. Hints of smoke, tobacco and grilled herbs are woven throughout a core of inky dark fruit, but it is the wine's total sense of balance and harmony that I keep coming back to. The 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own, but it is a stunningly beautiful wine. Dollops of Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Viognier round out the blend. The 2016 was done with 47% whole clusters and will see about 47% new French, but none of that really matters when sitting in front of this gorgeous and moving Syrah from Elaine and Manfred Krankl. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Shakti Grenache |
$325 |
4 |
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JD 97 (8/2017): One of the more elegant, ethereal releases from this incredible address, the 2014 Grenache Shakti checks in as blend of 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and the rest Touriga Nacional that was fermented with 42% whole clusters and aged 21 months in just 6% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels. Its ruby/purple semi-opaque color is followed by a thrilling bouquet of black raspberries, black olive tapenade, leafy herbs, pepper and spring flowers. It’s not a small wine by any measure, yet it’s graceful, lively and elegant on the palate, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet, polished tannin, no hard edges and a gorgeous finish. Drink this beautiful Grenache anytime over the coming 15+ years. I loved the 2013s from Manfred Krankl, and these are reminiscent of the 2010s (as are the 2015s). The 2014s are more plush and sexy, with a forward style that’s already impossible to resist. The 2015 reds were all tasted as barrel samples, and these show the firm, structured style of the vintage and I suspect are going to require bottle age to show at their best. I’ve also included the “The Third Twin” releases here, and it, like the Next Of Kyn releases, are released under a separate label and focus on the estate The Third Twin vineyard located outside of Los Alamos.
VM 95-96 (9/2016): The 2014 Grenache Shakti wraps around the palate with sumptuous fruit. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather flesh out as this totally seductive Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Striking aromatics, super-expressive, bright fruit and silky tannins are some of the signatures in a delicious, delicate Grenache that is totally alluring. I suppose the 2014 is not the most structured or complex Grenache ever from Sine Qua Non, but it is a total pleasure bomb. The blend is 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Touriga Nacional, done with 42% whole clusters. Vineyard sites are 51% Cumulus, 21.5% Eleven Confessions, 18% Third Twin and 9.5% Bien Nacido. I tasted the 2014 from tank just prior to bottling. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Shakti Grenache (1.5 L) |
$599 |
1 |
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JD 97 (8/2017): One of the more elegant, ethereal releases from this incredible address, the 2014 Grenache Shakti checks in as blend of 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and the rest Touriga Nacional that was fermented with 42% whole clusters and aged 21 months in just 6% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels. Its ruby/purple semi-opaque color is followed by a thrilling bouquet of black raspberries, black olive tapenade, leafy herbs, pepper and spring flowers. It’s not a small wine by any measure, yet it’s graceful, lively and elegant on the palate, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet, polished tannin, no hard edges and a gorgeous finish. Drink this beautiful Grenache anytime over the coming 15+ years. I loved the 2013s from Manfred Krankl, and these are reminiscent of the 2010s (as are the 2015s). The 2014s are more plush and sexy, with a forward style that’s already impossible to resist. The 2015 reds were all tasted as barrel samples, and these show the firm, structured style of the vintage and I suspect are going to require bottle age to show at their best. I’ve also included the “The Third Twin” releases here, and it, like the Next Of Kyn releases, are released under a separate label and focus on the estate The Third Twin vineyard located outside of Los Alamos.
VM 95-96 (9/2016): The 2014 Grenache Shakti wraps around the palate with sumptuous fruit. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather flesh out as this totally seductive Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Striking aromatics, super-expressive, bright fruit and silky tannins are some of the signatures in a delicious, delicate Grenache that is totally alluring. I suppose the 2014 is not the most structured or complex Grenache ever from Sine Qua Non, but it is a total pleasure bomb. The blend is 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Touriga Nacional, done with 42% whole clusters. Vineyard sites are 51% Cumulus, 21.5% Eleven Confessions, 18% Third Twin and 9.5% Bien Nacido. I tasted the 2014 from tank just prior to bottling. Antonio Galloni. |
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2005 |
Strapless Rose |
$1,450 |
1 |
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2014 |
Testa dei Cherubini Grenache Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$325 |
1 |
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JD 99 (10/2018): As with the extended aged Syrah release, the 2014 Grenache Testa Dei Cherubini (80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier) comes all from the estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and spent just under 38 months in 25% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels (varying sizes). Layers of black raspberry, cassis, white chocolate, white flowers, and Asian spices flow to a full-bodied, supple, powerful Grenache that has silky, silky tannins, a seamless texture, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s already approachable, yet in my experience, this extended elevage results in a very stable wine, and I suspect this beauty will have another two decades of longevity.
WA 98+ (8/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini saw fully 37.5 months in wood, some 25% new, but its influence is imperceptible; the wine is strikingly pure and vibrant. Krankl commented that the longer the wines spend in barrel, the more slowly they seem to evolve in bottle. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of juicy red cherries, peonies and plums, it's initially quite reserved, becoming more expressive with air. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and very concentrated, with strikingly fine-grained, revolved tannins, juicy acids and impressive length and depth. Like the 2015 Le Chemin Vers l'Heresie also reviewed in this report, it's remarkably pure and integrated and ranks as one of the finest Grenache bottlings I've tasted from Sine Qua Non. It's also one wine that will clearly benefit from bottle age, no matter how tempting it may be when it's released in November of this year. The blend includes 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and a tiny 0.5% of Viognier, and 895 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini, from Sine Qua Non's Eleven Confessions vineyard, is positively explosive on the palate. Even so, the 2014 is precise and beautifully delineated, with striking nuance and terrific freshness to balance things out. The blend is 80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier that spent 38 months in 600-liter French oak barrels. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Testa dei Cherubini Grenache (3.0 L) |
$2,900 |
1 |
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JD 99 (10/2018): As with the extended aged Syrah release, the 2014 Grenache Testa Dei Cherubini (80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier) comes all from the estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and spent just under 38 months in 25% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels (varying sizes). Layers of black raspberry, cassis, white chocolate, white flowers, and Asian spices flow to a full-bodied, supple, powerful Grenache that has silky, silky tannins, a seamless texture, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s already approachable, yet in my experience, this extended elevage results in a very stable wine, and I suspect this beauty will have another two decades of longevity.
WA 98+ (8/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini saw fully 37.5 months in wood, some 25% new, but its influence is imperceptible; the wine is strikingly pure and vibrant. Krankl commented that the longer the wines spend in barrel, the more slowly they seem to evolve in bottle. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of juicy red cherries, peonies and plums, it's initially quite reserved, becoming more expressive with air. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and very concentrated, with strikingly fine-grained, revolved tannins, juicy acids and impressive length and depth. Like the 2015 Le Chemin Vers l'Heresie also reviewed in this report, it's remarkably pure and integrated and ranks as one of the finest Grenache bottlings I've tasted from Sine Qua Non. It's also one wine that will clearly benefit from bottle age, no matter how tempting it may be when it's released in November of this year. The blend includes 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and a tiny 0.5% of Viognier, and 895 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini, from Sine Qua Non's Eleven Confessions vineyard, is positively explosive on the palate. Even so, the 2014 is precise and beautifully delineated, with striking nuance and terrific freshness to balance things out. The blend is 80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier that spent 38 months in 600-liter French oak barrels. Antonio Galloni. |
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2008 |
The Duel Grenache |
$379 |
2 |
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WA 97 (8/2012): Sine Qua Non’s 2008 Grenache Estate The Duel boasts extraordinary richness, power and sheer depth. Tobacco, leather, mint and spices are woven together in this large-scaled Grenache. There is plenty of intensity here, but the 2008 has just a touch less aromatic definition than the very finest wines at Sine Qua Non. I imagine some of that may be the result of extended aging in oak. The 2008 is 82% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 2% Viognier and 1% Roussanne, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills. A portion of the Grenache was fermented using whole clusters. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.
VM 94-96 (10/2011): (includes 17% syrah, 2% viognier and 1% roussanne; all estate fruit, from the Krankls' Eleven Confessions vineyard): Glass-staining purple. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by mocha, potpourri and musky herbs. Very rich but lively as well, with intense dark berry compote, cherry-cola and spicecake flavors that show no rough edges. A sexy note of candied flowers comes up with air and carries through an extremely long, sappy, spice-accented finish. |
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2008 |
The Duel Syrah Cracked Wax Capsule; Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$399 |
1 |
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WA 99 (8/2013): A prodigious effort that possesses overflowing richness and depth, the 2008 Syrah The Duel (88% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 6% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard) delivers an off-the-hook drinking experience with decadent cassis, blackberry, smoked meats, crushed flowers and hints of spice all soaring from the glass. A full-bodied, unctuous Syrah that stays fresh and elegant, with vibrant acidity, it needs a solid decant if drinking anytime soon and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink now-2028.
VM 96 (1/2015): The 2008 Syrah The Duel, from Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is also impossibly young, with little in the way of flavor development. I typically enjoy the Sine Qua Non reds either upon release or around age ten, so I probably should have followed my own advice. The 2008 is beautiful, but it will clearly be even better in another few years’ time. This is one of the most reticent bottles of the 2008 I have tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
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2019 |
The Working Man Syrah |
$399 |
4 |
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2012 |
Touche Syrah |
$475 |
1 |
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WA 100 (8/2016): Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.
VM 98 (9/2016): A quintessential Sine Qua Non wine, the 2012 Syrah Touche is off the charts. Rich, seamless and voluptuous, the 2012 exudes concentration and flamboyance. Red cherry jam, plum, spice, licorice, pomegranate and new leather flesh out in an effortless, radiant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2012 is 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, done with 36% whole clusters, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
Trouver l’Arene Syrah |
$300 |
3 |
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JD 100 (7/2018): The otherworldly 2015 Syrah Trouver l’Arene is made from 80% Syrah, 7% each of Petite Sirah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Viognier and Grenache. As with the Grenache in 2015, it saw some whole clusters in the fermentation and spent 22 months in close to equal parts new and used French oak. Opaque purple-colored and loaded with sensational notes of smoked black fruits, peppery herbs, liquid flowers, exotic spice, and lavender, this insane beauty hits the palate with awesome density and depth, yet stays amazingly light and graceful, with no apparent weight or heaviness. It possesses sweet tannin, incredible purity of fruit, and a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. It’s an incredible effort that reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Côte Rôtie La Mouline (the 2010? It’s not too dissimilar to the 2003 early in its life) with its exotic, floral, gamey character. There have been so many monumental Syrahs from this address it’s difficult to say where this beauty will ultimately end up when it’s at maturity, but my money is on it being in the top handful of Syrahs ever made by Manfred. It’s incredible today (with a decant) but needs 3-5 years and will knock your socks off over the following two decades or more.
WA 100 (9/2017): Composed of 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, all sourced from estate vineyards—37% The Third Twin, 36% Eleven Confessions and 27% Cumulus—the 2015 Syrah Trouver L’Arene was made using 34% whole cluster and has a deep purple-black color with intense cassis, black plums and black cherries scents plus hints of anise, violets, sage and tar, with wafts of savory/smoked meat suggestions. Full-bodied, this voluptuous beauty is seriously singing in the mouth, belting out vibrant red and black fruit flavor layers, all framed by very fine, rounded, ripe tannins and a wonderful freshness, finishing with persistent perfumed fruit and a spring in its step. 1,778 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
VM 94-97 (9/2017): The brilliant 2015 Syrah Trouver l'Arene is powerful and dense, but also light on its feet for such an intense wine. Inky blue/purplish fruit, wild flowers, mint, spice and lavender all flesh out in the glass, but it is the wine's textural finesse that really elevates it. Rich, opulent and super-expressive, the 2015 has all the elements to develop into a spectacular Syrah. The blend is 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Mourvèdre, 3.5% Viognier and 2% Grenache done with 34% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Sine Qua Non |
2003 |
Mr. K The Noble Man Chardonnay (375 ML) |
$179 |
1 |
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WA 94 (8/2006): The 2003 Mr. K. The Nobleman, a 100% Chardonnay made from botrytised fruit, possesses 278 grams of residual sugar per liter and 9.9 grams of acid per liter. There are a whopping 537 cases of half bottles. While deep golden-hued and honeyed, with brilliant unctuosity, thickness, and richness, it takes third place when ranked against its two sweet siblings. Readers should think of it as a Chardonnay Trockenbeerenauslese.
VM 93 (8/2007): Sine Qua Non’s 2003 Mr. K The Noble Man (100% botrytised Chardonnay) was one of the most remarkable sweet wines I have ever had. Despite its size and richness, it offered notable complexity and an engaging, unique personality. I loved it. Antonio Galloni. |
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2012 |
Shackled Petit Manseng (375 ML) |
$225 |
2 |
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2017 |
Tectumque White Wine |
$209 |
9 |
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| WA 97+ (6/2019): Tectumque means “shelter” in Latin. This wine was initially going to be called “Inconnue” (“unknown” in French), but that name had already been trademarked. “Naming wines is becoming impossible,” mentioned Manfred. “Everything has already been taken. Even, 'No Name!'” This is a blend of 38% Roussanne, 31% Petit Manseng, 18% Chardonnay, 9% Viognier and 4% Muscat. The vineyard components are 52% Cumulus Estate, 19% Eleven Confessions Estate, 18% Bien Nacido Vineyard and 11% The Third Twin Estate. It spent around 20 months aging in 9% concrete eggs, 4% amphora, 9% used barrels and 78% new French oak puncheons. |
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2017 |
Tectumque White Wine (1.5 L) |
$439 |
1 |
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| WA 97+ (6/2019): Tectumque means “shelter” in Latin. This wine was initially going to be called “Inconnue” (“unknown” in French), but that name had already been trademarked. “Naming wines is becoming impossible,” mentioned Manfred. “Everything has already been taken. Even, 'No Name!'” This is a blend of 38% Roussanne, 31% Petit Manseng, 18% Chardonnay, 9% Viognier and 4% Muscat. The vineyard components are 52% Cumulus Estate, 19% Eleven Confessions Estate, 18% Bien Nacido Vineyard and 11% The Third Twin Estate. It spent around 20 months aging in 9% concrete eggs, 4% amphora, 9% used barrels and 78% new French oak puncheons. |
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